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Fans of BTS have expressed outrage toward the South Korean government following viral reports on social media. These reports alleged that the group was denied financial compensation for their participation in a free concert promoting Busan's bid for the 2030 World Expo back in 2022.
The global superstars, known for their immense contributions to Korea’s cultural and economic standing, reportedly should have received 7 billion KRW (approximately USD 4.75 million) for their involvement. Instead, the group and their agency, HYBE, were left to cover the costs of the concert entirely.
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The concert, held on October 15, 2022, at the Busan Asiad Main Stadium, was initially intended to take place at a less secure venue. Safety concerns prompted the move, adding to the logistical challenges HYBE and BTS faced while organizing the event.
The accusations of exploitation have sparked heated debates online, with fans questioning the government’s treatment of the group. Many pointed out that this is not the first instance of such alleged misuse. An X user, @vmaine137, wrote:
"that country does not deserve BTS, never have and never will."
Others joined in to express their disappointment with the unfair treatment of the group.
"BTS makes South Korea relevant but their own country abuses and scammed them. When we say South Korea doesn't deserve them we mean it!!!" an X user wrote.
"This is one of the reasons why we are so protective of b75 imagine the sh*t their own govt is putting them and their families through, just for power istg tannies deserves better than this ! I know karma will find those mfs one day," a fan mentioned.
"We already know abt this, but what's baffling is the amount of money the gov had scammed them. Disgusting," another person wrote.
"That is why BTS are our Forever Artist. They have an incredible work ethic that is wrapped in being honor bound to ARMY and each other. I am so proud to be a Forever ARMY to and for them," a user wrote.
Fans criticized the event for being poorly organized. They accused the government of exploiting BTS for publicity and scamming the group.
"F*ck you, government. It was the most unorganized event I've ever been too. The audacity to also scam the boys and use them for clout. F*ck you all. You do not deserve BTS," a netizen wrote.
"My poor boys .SK you have no heart! BTS has given their everything for the love of their country and yet this is what you have done?! I have no words!," another person added.
"Goes to show our worries that the government milking them was real. They are using the group as doormat,' a fan commented.
More about BTS's performance at the Busan Concert for the World Expo bid
Despite being named Honorary Ambassadors for the World Expo bid and playing a pivotal role in drawing international attention, the septet not only performed without pay but also shouldered organizational expenses, ranging from production to security and staffing.
During another national event in 2023, government officials reportedly sought to compel BTS members to perform by leveraging their military enlistment obligations—a proposal HYBE successfully resisted.
Similar criticisms arose over legislative proposals that would have allowed the group to perform during staggered military service terms without proper compensation due to existing laws prohibiting enlisted soldiers from earning outside income.
The free Busan concert drew an in-person crowd of 55,000 and millions of viewers worldwide, showcasing the group's global influence. While HYBE acknowledged the financial strain, they emphasized their commitment to maintaining high-performance standards and their pride in supporting national initiatives.
As per reports by Sports Chosun in 2022, HYBE underlined the economic benefits the Expo could bring to Korea and the shared goal of promoting Busan on the global stage.
Currently, five of the seven members of the group are enlisted in the military, with reports indicating they will complete their service by June 2025. Jin and j-hope have already finished their service, with Jin completing it in June and j-hope in October.
